Good Day All –

It is with deep sadness that I share Dean Ward (retiree) passed away yesterday following a long, hard fought battle with cancer.

Dean was a pillar of the Hartzell community and had broad exposure and leadership roles in many areas, including Assembly, Service Center, Product Support and Sales. He had a unique expertise across a range of complex subjects and was completely dedicated to making Hartzell the best company it could be. He was a life-long learner, and often said that he ‘started at Hartzell right after high school and was still deciding what he wanted to be when he grew up and went to college’. He found a home and purpose here at Hartzell, and we will always be a better company because of his lasting impact. Dean retired in December of 2021 with nearly 43 years of service.

Dean was a friend and mentor to all who knew him and exemplified dedication, commitment and what it means to be “built on honor”. He was someone you always wanted on your team, not only for his skills and expertise, but for his In It Together approach and Winning Spirit mentality. He brought positive energy, a quick wit, and warm smile with him each day, even as he navigated his health challenges and treatments.

Dean’s relationships extended beyond Hartzell as he built lasting friendships and professional relationships with our customers and RSF group. It wasn’t uncommon to hear appreciation for Dean’s capability and knowledge to solve difficult problems or his ability to just jump in and help. His customer service skills were beyond compare. He had a calm, authentic and thoughtful approach to everything he worked on and everyone he interacted with. He was the definition of a truly good person.

Outside of work, Dean was dedicated to and extremely proud of his family. He and his wife Chris often hosted events at their home for Hartzell employees, special guests and visitors. He was especially proud to be a grandparent and was quick to share photos of his family.

Dean will be missed by many. He was a man with heart, integrity and genuine kindness. Our prayers and condolences go out to his family as they navigate through this difficult time.

Best,
JJ

Obituary

E. DEAN WARD, age 63, formerly of Piqua, OH went home to be with the Lord at 5:42 PM in his Westerville residence on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. He was born March 1, 1960 to the late Buford Ward and Pearl (Stiltner) Ward of Piqua. On August 11, 1979 in Piqua, Dean married his high school sweetheart Christine (McCoy) and she survives.

Dean is also survived by two sons and daughter-in-law: Matthew (Crystal) Ward, Westerville, OH; Michael Ward: Russells Point, OH; two brothers: Johnny Ward, Piqua, OH; Allen Ward, Piqua, OH: two grandchildren: Kaley Ward, Hunter Ward; two sisters-in-law: Lori (Greg) Miller, Piqua, OH; Susan (Bill) Hughes, Piqua, OH; one brother-in-law: David (Erika) McCoy, Piqua, OH; faithful friend: Keiko; and many nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by one brother: Charles Ward; father and mother-in-law: John and MaryAnn McCoy.

Dean graduated from Piqua Central High School in 1978. He was a member of Mid County Church of Christ in Troy, OH. Dean worked for Hartzell Propeller in Piqua for 43 years and retired as Director of Product Support. He was a former member of The Piqua Jaycees, former president of The Miami Valley Corvette Club. He was a Cub Scout leader and coached youth soccer. Dean was also a former member of Positively Promoting Piqua. He enjoyed fishing, boating, Corvettes, and spending time at the lake. Dean’s biggest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren. Dean assembled the propellers used on the Voyager’s World Flight, which is currently displayed in the main hall of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington DC.

A celebration of Dean’s life will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Hartzell Propeller.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dean’s name to Piqua Bethany Center at 339 South Street, Piqua, OH 45356 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 1404 Goodale Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.melcher-sowers.com.

You can also leave a note to Chris and the rest of Dean’s family at www.melcher-sowers.com/obituaries/E-Dean-Ward, if you would like.